Farm in a Barrel

Farm in a Barrel is a simple, effective tool to help someone in need start a backyard farming business. Everything needed to set up a farm is packed into a 55 gallon drum barrel and can be set up in a few hours. The project relies on local economies for inputs and local leadership for management. We’re biased, but we think it’s the next big thing.

In 2012, we met an Oregon-based farmer named Jerry Tindall who had a vision for helping the poorest people in the world increase their access to healthy food. Jerry developed his vision into what is now known as Farm in a Barrel, and it’s already proving to be a life-changing farming project in Ghana, West Africa.

The idea for FIAB is simple. Pack lightweight, affordable materials into a 55 gallon drum barrel and ship to the developing world. While all the infrastructure is included in the barrel, the project relies on local economies to provide all the inputs to run the program successfully. Through this, local business is encouraged with a sustainable model. Using inexpensive materials reduces the risk of improper use and/or reselling, and the simplicity of the project minimizes the confusion and complexity as the project travels across cultures.

The most exciting part of FIAB is its scalability. Because the project was designed for simple, universal use, the odds it producing value all over the world are higher than other initiatives that were built around a specific community or problem. We are currently in the process of scaling up a successful pilot project for broiler chickens in Ghana, and the future looks bright.

PS: More versions of FIAB are in the pipeline, and other locations around the world are being scouted as well!

WHAT’S IN IT?

Each Farm in a Barrel system includes a 55 gallon drum barrel packed with everything you need to set up your business and begin farming.

Lightweight, galvanized steel rods

Chicken wire

Durable nylon cover

Feeder and waterer

All assembly tools needed

HOW DOES IT WORK?

1.

A barrel gets sponsored by a donor or donor group.

2.

The barrel gets sent overseas to someone in need.

3.

The barrel is assembled and inputs are ordered.

4.

Someone in need now has a sustainable business to run!

LAUNCHING IN GHANA

In 2013, Farm in a Barrel was piloted for the first time overseas in Ghana, West Africa. 10 barrels were sent over and offered on a microloan basis to beneficiaries.

To date, 50 Farm in a Barrels are in Ghana and the project is blossoming. We are currently considering building a trade school to produce future systems in country. Stay tuned!

BY THE NUMBERS

50

Farm in a Barrel systems in operation.

830

Broiler chickens raised and sold with FIAB.

$10,000

Lifetime earning potential of each FIAB.

$150,000

Earning potential adjusted for U.S. living standards.

Join the Party!

To apply for your own Farm in a Barrel, or to make a fully-deductible tax gift towards barrel sponsorship, please click below.